Diet may reduce the risk of developing MND
Researchers in Holland have found that people’s diets may affect their chances of developing the most common form of MND, ALS.
Dutch study
Dr Veldink and colleagues at the University Medical Centre in Utrecht asked 132 people with MND to recall their daily diets for a year before their symptoms developed. 220 people not affected by the disease recalled their diets over the same period.
People with MND ate less polyunsaturated fat (PUF) and vitamin E in their diet compared to those who have not developed the disease. The researchers believe that PUF and vitamin E have a combined effect in protecting motor neurones from MND.
What does this study mean for people with MND?
As part of this study the researchers found no link between the levels of PUF and vitamin E in the diet of people with MND and disease duration, or the age of onset of symptoms of the disease.
This research will help us understand more about protecting the motor neurones of people who may be at risk of developing MND. Greater knowledge of how to protect motor neurones from dying may help identify targets for future treatments.
Importance of a good diet
This research does not suggest that the general population should vary their diet to protect themselves from developing MND. Ongoing research by Dr Veldink and colleagues will provide the evidence for future clinical guidelines.
For people with MND staying well nourished is one of the most important ways countering the effects of MND. There is no special diet available; the best advice is to eat a varied and balanced diet.
How this study compares to previous research
The study investigated over 100 different components within the daily diet over a one year time period. The researchers showed that these results are representative of diet over a longer period of time. Only links were found between PUF and vitamin E and MND. No links, protective or detrimental, were found between the other components investigated including dietary levels of glutamate.
Previous studies have identified PUF as protective against other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. This study confirms earlier research suggesting a protective link between vitamin E and the risk of developing MND. Further studies are ongoing to confirm these findings in a wider group of people.
Research
